Hospitality Expert & Experiential Marketing Tour Manager

A man with short brown hair, blue eyes, and light skin taking a selfie outdoors on a sunny day, with modern high-rise buildings, a park, and trees with fall foliage in the background.
Man smiling while holding orange and white balloons, wearing an orange hat and a peach Under Armour t-shirt, in a festive setting with flowers in the background.

“Whatever you are, be the best.”

J Carrick, a hospitality and experiential marketing manager with two decades of frontline, field-tested success.

Having run high-volume restaurants, led national brand activations, managed coast-to-coast logistics, and built teams that thrive under pressure. I know sharp execution, clarity, and the ability to lead from the floor to the field is always fundamental.

Beyond the logistics and live events, the people are what keep me driven. Creating unforgettable experiences and making people feel seen, excited, and cared for. Joy is universal and should be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from. This work allows that to happen every day. No matter if it’s a grandma thrilled over a fanny pack or a dad geeking out over a motorcycle. Those moments of pure joy are why I continue to do it again and again.

Because of this passion and excitement, a personal level of care is brought to everything I do. It’s not just about representing the brand, it’s about showing up for the people. I want every moment to reflect the best we can offer.

Person in an orange t-shirt holding hands with the M&M's red character mascot at a promotional event with M&M's branding.
Group of six smiling people posing together indoors, with some wearing casual clothing and one person wearing a white apron.
A person doing a handstand against a graffiti-covered wall with orange sneakers, wearing a blue shirt and black pants, on a cardboard mat in an indoor skate park.
People dressed as hot dogs standing in front of a mobile hot dog stand and food truck in a parking lot.

From Restaurants to Road Tours

Started in hospitality managing restaurants by building front and back of house systems, training teams, and improving guest experiences. Worked with top chefs and big hospitality groups, led large events, and launched new concepts.

That foundation led me into experiential marketing and live events, where I lead mobile tours & site production, oversee DOT-compliant vehicles, and manage brand activations across the country.

Whether it’s hospitality or experiences, I build environments where teams work smarter, systems run tighter, and clients see real ROI.

People dining and socializing in a warmly lit restaurant with wooden walls and framed pictures.
People waiting in line at a holiday-themed Mobile Giving Machine booth decorated with red, white, and gold balloons and lights, with a large red and white logo and a red star-shaped ornament.
People setting up a stage with a metal frame structure and a white canopy in an outdoor park, with tools and ladders around.

How I add value to the team

Ensure integrity with clear signs, consistent tone, and reliable tech, always prioritizing quality without compromise.

Execution

I bring energy, humor, and a strong presence, quickly connecting with guests and teams to boost morale and positivity.

Charisma

I lead with clarity, humor, and hustle to train, motivate, and retain strong, adaptable, and engaged crews.

Team Leadership

I ensure overlooked details, like cable placement and timing, create clean setups and precise execution for memorable experiences.

Attention to Detail

Operational Clarity

I streamline processes and create efficient workflows for smooth, timely, and organized event execution.

Anticipation

I anticipate challenges by reading people and staying proactive, ensuring smooth, stress-free operations.

Spreading Positivity Through Experiences

J Carrick having a conversation at a social event, each holding a drink. The man is gesturing with his hand while speaking.

Build efficient FOH/BOH teams with systems that enhance service speed, flow, and retention.

Launch food & beverage programs that increase guest satisfaction and operational consistency.

Develop leaders: through targeted training, coaching, and team culture improvements.

Open new restaurants and events with service design that elevates experience from day one.

Cut costs and drive efficiency by optimizing workflows, ensuring compliance, and tightening ops.

J Carrick driving an orange forklift next to an outdoor display setup for M&M's, featuring a spiral staircase and branded decorations.

Deliver seamless, coast-to-coast brand activations with full-service tour logistics and execution.

Ensure safe, legal, and efficient vehicle operations with expert DOT compliance and fleet management.

Build high-performing teams through hands-on training, staffing, and on-site leadership.

Keep assets secure, organized, and ready; driving smooth, end-to-end event delivery.

Navigate venue requirements and protocols to ensure flawless, compliant activations.

Brands I've Worked With

Trusted by top brands in hospitality, automotive, retail, tech, and CPG.

I bring brands to life with integrity and intention. Whether it’s a tour or dining service, I adapt quickly to brand tone, audience, and goals delivering experiences that are seamless and impactful. I translate brand essence into tangible experiences, from tours to dining services. My approach is rooted in integrity and intention, ensuring seamless and impactful delivery by aligning with tone, audience, and objectives.

Gold and black certified badge with a check mark at the top.

DOT-Certified Licensed Driver

Food Handler Certified

Forklift Operator Certified

Alcohol Service Certified

I bring a mix of frontline experience and logistical qualifications from vehicle ops and compliance to food safety and alcohol service. Whether I’m leading a national tour or managing F&B events, I come prepared to execute safely and efficiently.

A row of large LED lighting equipment secured with straps and hanging on a black textured surface next to a glass enclosure with colorful flowers inside.
Outdoor scene with construction or event setup items, including rolled carpets, tables, pallets, and equipment, with a forklift and a forklift operator in the background, and tall buildings in the distance.
A white delivery truck and a mobile showroom truck parked side by side in an empty parking lot with trees in the background.
View of a storage area or warehouse shelf with cardboard boxes secured with straps and a wooden wall background. Several straps are attached to the boxes, including green, orange, and black straps, some of which have buckles. Portions of a metal hand truck or dolly are visible in the lower right corner.
A large white trailer with 'can-am' logo parked outdoors on grass, next to a black canopy with 'can-am' branding, and various boxes and equipment around.
Worker wearing a helmet and gloves kneeling on top of a blue storage container, installing or repairing equipment, with a yellow crane structure and city lights in the background.

This calendar reflects my current availability and is kept up to date regularly. Please check back anytime, and keep me in mind for any projects that align.

I’m open to a wide range of roles and always ready to jump in where I can add value.

Looking for someone who gets it?

I’m available for freelance, consulting, or full-time opportunities in hospitality leadership, experiential marketing and production. Let’s connect and build something great.